The time period of roughly 1870 to 1900 is often referred to as the "Gilded Age." This was a term coined by author Mark Twain, as he believed society was plagued by many problems, problems that were hidden under a golden-like appearance.

But the time period was not all bad. The United States saw the rapid growth of industry, a mass influx of immigrants, and the development of the modern city. New innovations changed the way that people lived their lives. New forms of entertainment were created, which in turn helped to make life a little bit better.

The Gilded Age, good or bad, was a time of rapid growth and change. This time period was truly the beginning of the development of modern America.